Joey Barton signs for flagship talkSPORT show

The midfielder will kick-off as co-commentator of Watford v Liverpool on the opening Saturday of the Premier League season on August 12 and every Saturday thereafter with previews of the day’s action, goals and post-game reaction.

Barton will also be part of Monday night’s Kick-Off show from August 14, tackling all of the weekend’s action and the biggest issues in sport between 7-10pm.

The former Manchester City, Newcastle, QPR, Marseille, Burnley, Rangers and England star was previously part of talkSPORT’s on-air team at the Euro 2016 finals in France.

Barton said: “I’m really looking forward to the new football season. Having listened to talkSPORT for many years, and given that I can’t be on the pitch, being part of the biggest sports radio station every week is certainly the next best thing. Tune in for honest, no-nonsense punditry on Monday nights and Saturday afternoons.”

Liam Fisher, National Controller for talkSPORT and talkSPORT 2 told RadioToday: “The season is nearly upon us and, with commentary of more than 500 live games, culminating in the 2018 World Cup final, we need to extend our squad! Joey is a superb pundit and never afraid to voice his opinions, so we’re looking forward to him becoming part of our fantastic team.”